Conservators Center, Burlington facts for kids
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a special place in Burlington, North Carolina, USA. It's like a big home for many animals, covering about 18 hectares (that's 45 acres!). This animal park first opened its doors to visitors in 2007. About 16,000 people visit the park every year to see the animals and learn about them.
About the Animal Park
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a non-profit organization. This means it doesn't get money from taxes to run. Instead, it relies on different ways to get funding. They earn money from the tours people take and from memberships. Donations, grants, special events, and help from companies also support the park.
The main goals of the park are very important. They want to "educate people, care for animals, and advocate for species." This means they teach visitors about animals. They also make sure the animals in their care are healthy and happy. Plus, they speak up for animal species around the world. The park offers many fun tours for families. They even have special tours and events during different seasons.
How the Park Started
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center was started in 1999. It was founded by two experts in exotic animals, Mindy Stinner and Douglas Evans. When they first began, it was a smaller place. They cared for about 25 smaller exotic animals and 3 tigers.
A big change happened in 2004. Another animal facility in Ohio had to close down. The government asked the Conservators Center and other places for help. They needed homes for a large group of animals. These animals included many big cats. The Center agreed to take 3 of these cats. Another facility said they would take 11.
However, the other facility couldn't take the 11 cats quickly enough. So, all 14 of these big cats came to live at the Conservators Center. This was a huge moment for the park. Soon after these 14 large cats arrived, something amazing happened. Four of the female cats were pregnant! Within a few months, 15 new tiger and lion cubs were born at the park.
Opening to Visitors
With so many new animals, the park needed more support. So, in 2007, they opened their doors to visitors. This helped them get the funding needed for the growing animal family. Guided educational tours began in September 2007. Many of the first tour guides are still working or volunteering there today.
In October 2019, the Conservators Center changed its name. It became known as The Animal Park at the Conservators Center.
